Amid tensions with China, India warns Amazon, Flipkart over country of origin rule

The Indian government has warned Amazon.com's local unit and Walmart's Flipkart that sellers on their platforms are not complying with a rule requiring that a product's country of origin be specified.

A push for strict enforcement of the rule has come amid tensions between India and China following a border skirmish which began in June, and is part of India's efforts to cut down on Chinese-made imports.

The two e-commerce firms have been given 15 days to explain the lapses or action will be taken against them, according to an Oct. 16 letter addressed to the companies from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and seen by Reuters.

It did not specify what action may be taken, referring only to a legal act that has provisions for fines.

Representatives for Amazon and Flipkart did not immediately respond to Reuters requests seeking comment outside regular business hours.